Laserfiche WebLink
Dan Collins leifer - Page <br /> <br /> While the Code of Virginia allows for the creation of <br />regional park authorities, I see no reason to create another <br />independent government entity that has the power to issue <br />debt, for which our citizens will ultimately pay. I believe that <br />authority best resides with the Board of Supervisors and City <br />Council. <br /> <br /> I agree that a merged park system should be <br />independent, and that can occur with the creation of a parks <br />and recreation commission appointed by the two governments. <br />The commission would not have the authority to issue debt <br />and either the City or County could serve as fiscal agent to <br />eliminate unnecessary duplication of support services. <br /> <br /> For instance, under the Authority plan the new entity <br />would need a human resources department and a finance <br />department. Why duplicate those services when the City or the <br />County could provide those services? <br /> <br /> The County previously offered to be the fiscal agent <br />simply because our contribution to the Virginia Retirement <br />System is approximately seven percent lower than the City's <br />rate. Based on the current City and County payrolls for <br />Leisure Services/Parks and Recreation, this is a savings of <br />approximately $40,000 per year. <br /> <br /> The Parks and Recreation Commission would be similar <br />to the way the Blue Ridge Regional Library operates, 'for which <br />the City of Martinsville is the fiscal agent, or the Martinsville- <br />Henry County Communications Center, for which the County <br />is the fiscal agent. <br /> <br /> I agree that all Parks and Recreation assets should be <br />transferred to a consolidated department. This could be <br />accomplished in a number of different ways. <br /> <br /> <br />